PANNIQTUUQ/PANGNIRTUNG - A four-year-old boy died after being attacked by three dogs in Pangnirtung on March 22, stated an RCMP press release.

According to the release, the Pangnirtung RCMP detachment was notified at 11 a.m. Monday that a person was being attacked by three loose dogs in the hamlet. Once officials arrived on scene, they found an unresponsive four-year-old boy. The boy was immediately taken to the Pangnirtung Health Centre and was pronounced dead, said RCMP Sgt. Jimmy Akavak, spokesperson for RCMP V Division.

The child was playing outside alone when he was attacked by the dogs, which had escaped from a dog team chained on the ice near the community.

The dogs were apprehended and put down by a local resident. Avakak said the other dogs in the team were securely chained.

The matter is under investigation by the Pangnirtung RCMP and the hamlet.

"Condolences and regret go out to the family of the child and those who had to deal with this horrible incident," said Akavak.

When asked further questions, Akavak said the RCMP could not make any further comments out of respect for the family and the fact that the incident "is still very fresh."